Genetic Engineering to Make Annuals Become Perennials

I am absolutely fascinated by an article I recently read on Landscapeonline.com about research to make annuals become perennials.

Researchers have found that only 2 genes, which are associated with flowering, control the development of perennial growth. Altering these two genes, they have been able to make annual plants into perennial plants. Of course, there are side effects (you can’t get something for nothing)…plants tend to not flower or, they flower much later after going through the change. So for now, to get our fix of bright splashes of color we will still have to shell every spring and summer.

If you are interested in this ongoing research here are a number of links to places where you can read more about it:

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rochelle greayer

Hi, I'm Rochelle and for 18 years I have worked as a landscape designer, author/writer, and design teacher.
I've designed residential and hospitality (for hotels, restaurants, and spas) gardens across the USA and in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. After many years of teaching garden design topics in person, I launched the PITH + VIGOR Boot Camp series in early 2018.
Through my blog, social media, and online courses (Garden Design Bootcamp and Planting Design Boot Camp) I aim to help homeowners learn how to confidently design and create home gardens that reflect their own personal and unique style.